Despite being the first to admit she enjoys a glass or two of wine, bestselling author Adele Parks has never visited the vineyards on her doorstep. This month, she sampled some award-winning home-grown wine at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking
THIS month, my insatiable quest to discover Surrey’s many treasures, took me to the Denbies Wine Estate, in Dorking. Family owned and run since 1984, Denbies vineyard was planted in 1986, and has become one of the largest wine producers in the UK.
Competing on an international level, Denbies have won multiple gold awards for sparkling wine production. Not adverse to a bit of sparkle, I wanted to know more about what’s being produced with such flair, on my doorstep.
On this occasion I ditched my family (my husband is teetotal) and invited three friends along for a day out. My friend, Sam, kindly offered to drive, undoubtedly the short straw when heading off to a wine tasting experience and I doubt she was much amused by the constant and keen repetition of the question, “Are we nearly there yet?”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The House That Rocks
Transforming an impressive, seven-bedroom Victorian property in Dorking wasn’t without its challenges, but the result is a stunning family home that has had the interiors world raving
REMEDY FOR SUCCESS
Surrey’s Tracy Borman discusses the return of her heroine healer in the final book of her best-selling fictional trilogy
Love Celia
Actress Celia Imrie has travelled the world for work and leisure but wherever she goes there is a part of her which is forever Surrey
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
Art & Action: Making Change in Victorian Britain at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton focuses on the Victorian roots of art activism
Electric dreams
The Range Rover plug-in hybrid brings silent electric motoring to this iconic luxury car
THE OPEN ROAD
Chris Pickering rounds up some of the best drives in Surrey
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield
With the North Downs looming nearby and glorious countryside surrounding it, Oxted is a town with real “escape from London” appeal and character, while nearby Limpsfield has a superb village vibe with its own community-run pub
Artist to the stars
Known as ‘The Face of Modern British Impressionism’, Mickleham-based Sherree Valentine Daines is celebrating four decades at the forefront of her field
A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME
The Signet Collection’s inaugural hotel project is a reimagining of a former royal guest house, situated directly opposite Hampton Court Palace
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe
On the banks of the River Wey, Godalming is a watercolour pretty town surrounded by pristine countryside and in-demand rural villages, such as Hascombe